1、PRESSURIZED STRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY FOR UAVS H.Edge*,M.Nixon,A.Janas,W.Ross,J.Collins U.S.Army Research Laboratory Attn:AMSRD-ARL-VT-UV Aberdeen Proving Ground,MD 21005 ABSTRACT There is a critical need to improve the performance and utility of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs).Several areas of UAV perfor
2、mance need to be improved for the next generation of UAVS to be used successfully in expanded future combat roles.For example current time aloft is only on the order of an hour or two for electric-powered UAVs.The current generation of UAVs lacks vertical takeoff and landing(VTOL)capability and prec
3、ision slow-speed maneuverability required for urban navigation and targeting.In addition,the UAVs are not capable of stealth,and are easily spotted and/or heard.These deficiencies are related mostly to the airframe and method of propulsion.Most fielded UAVs are currently based on fixed-wing or rotor
4、-craft airframes and thus are constrained to their flight characteristics.UAV propulsion using ducted fans may also be fielded.In general,these vehicles require the motors,electrical or internal combustion to be running at high speed to keep the UAV aloft.This requires a substantial amount of energy
